Flash Report 5 minutesRegister for Free AccessSainsbury’s-Asda Merger In Doubt: Is It Time for Sainsbury’s to Refocus? Coresight Research February 21, 2019 Executive SummaryThe U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its provisional findings on the planned merger of leading grocery retailers Sainsbury’s and Asda. The CMA stated: “We have provisionally found that, should the two merge, shoppers could face higher prices, reduced quality and choice, and a poorer overall shopping experience across the U.K.” Sainsbury’s refuted the CMA’s claims, while its shares fell 15.5% on the back of doubt the merger will proceed. Even if the merger is allowed to proceed, the CMA will likely demand a substantial number of store divestitures — which could present challenges in a market in which demand for large stores is declining. Sainsbury’s may need to consider reviewing the merger and look for alternatives to strengthening its business: The company has been losing market share and store standards have fallen. A challenging merger process could further distract management from confronting existing challenges. Please Login to read the full report. Not a member? To access this content for free, register for a free account. This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in: Consumer Sentiment Unpacked—Higher-Income, Younger Consumers Are Most Optimistic: US Consumer Survey Insights ExtraAnalyst Corner: Exploring IKEA’s City Stores Worldwide, with John MercerPutting the “AI” in “Airlines”: Insights from CES 2025Earnings Insights 4Q24, Week 5: Most Companies Report Strong Growth Results This Week—Infographic